Fitchburg State University: 86.1% Acceptance Rate

86.1%Acceptance

$11,046Tuition

2,825Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$53,874Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State has built its reputation around teacher education and nursing programs that serve central Massachusetts communities. The university enrolls 2,825 students in a midsize suburban setting, with an 86% acceptance rate that makes it accessible to students with SAT scores averaging 1120. Founded in 1894, this full public university focuses on practical career preparation rather than prestige.

Students pay an average net price of $15,432 after financial aid, with lower-income families paying just $10,430. Graduates earn a median of $53,874 ten years after graduation, while typical monthly loan payments sit at $257. The median debt load of $24,239 represents a reasonable investment given the strong employment outcomes in education and healthcare fields. In-state tuition of $11,046 keeps costs manageable for the 90% of students who come from Massachusetts.

The student body reflects the diversity of the region, with 62% white students, 16% Hispanic, and 13% Black students. With 17 varsity sports competing in Division III and 331 total athletes, the Falcons offer opportunities for athletic participation without the pressure of scholarships. The 73% retention rate suggests students find what they're looking for, though the 53% six-year graduation rate indicates some students take longer to finish or transfer elsewhere.

Academics & Faculty

Fitchburg State built its reputation on teacher education and nursing programs that serve central Massachusetts communities. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring in these hands-on fields where clinical experience and classroom practice matter. Students get personalized attention from professors who often have real-world experience in local schools and hospitals. The 54.57% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of education and nursing coursework, which includes extensive fieldwork requirements. This full university attracts students seeking practical degrees that lead directly to careers. Many graduates stay in the region, filling teaching positions and healthcare roles in Worcester County and beyond.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 49.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 54.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.7%
Retention Rate: 72.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,874
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$77,536
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$75,518
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$66,897
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$63,005
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$57,882
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$50,856
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$48,823
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$46,087
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$45,715
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Master	$42,682

View all 76 programs →

Campus Life

Fitchburg sits about an hour northwest of Boston, giving students access to the city while maintaining a small-town college feel. With housing capacity for 1,705 students and total enrollment of 2,825, roughly 60% of students live on campus. You'll definitely need a winter coat here - central Massachusetts winters are long and snowy, while fall brings spectacular foliage to the surrounding hills.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. With 331 total athletes across 17 varsity sports, Falcons games draw steady campus crowds even without athletic scholarships. The 90.47% in-state student body creates a tight-knit community where many students already know each other from high school. Weekends often center around campus events, intramural sports, or trips to nearby outdoor recreation areas. The nursing and education programs build strong cohorts that study together and form lasting friendships. Students frequently head to Boston for internships or weekend adventures, but many find plenty to do in Fitchburg's growing downtown arts scene.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 1,705 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1894

Campus Safety (2023)

10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Rape	4	3	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0
Stalking	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 14°–33°F
July Avg: 61°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This public full university draws heavily from Massachusetts families seeking affordable career preparation. With over 90% of students from in-state, Fitchburg State has built a strong regional reputation for teacher education and nursing programs that serve central Massachusetts communities. The student body reflects the economic diversity of working-class families, with nearly one-third receiving Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men, which aligns with the university's strength in education and healthcare fields. Students here typically come from local high schools and plan to work in their home region after graduation.

Men: 46.9%
Women: 53.1%
White: 61.7%
Black: 12.9%
Hispanic: 16.0%
Asian: 3.1%
In-State Students: 90.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.0%

Location

Fitchburg State sits in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, about 45 miles northwest of Boston. The campus serves a mid-sized suburban community of roughly 40,000 residents in north-central Massachusetts. Students find themselves in a former industrial city that has transformed into a college town, with the Nashua River running through downtown and the Wachusett Mountains providing a scenic backdrop. The location offers easy access to both outdoor recreation and urban amenities. About 90% of students come from within Massachusetts, reflecting the university's strong ties to the local region. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Fitchburg State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420-2697

Fitchburg State College Hammond Building

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $53,874
Median Earnings (5 years): $63,963
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 65.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,239

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Fitchburg State University?

Fitchburg State University accepts 86.06% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020 and 1220 on the SAT. This public university has built its reputation on serving working-class students from central Massachusetts communities.

How much does Fitchburg State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,432 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,430. In-state tuition runs $11,046 while room and board adds $14,225. The school keeps costs manageable for the 31% of students who receive Pell Grants.

What academic programs is Fitchburg State University known for?

The university has earned recognition for its teacher education and nursing programs that serve the region's workforce needs. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. The school operates as a comprehensive public university focused on practical career preparation.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Fitchburg State University?

About 53% of students graduate within six years, while the employment rate reaches 97.4% for graduates. Alumni earn a median of $53,874 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $257. The school's career-focused approach helps students transition successfully into the workforce.

Where is Fitchburg State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Fitchburg, a midsize suburban city in north-central Massachusetts. With 2,825 students and housing for 1,705, the university maintains a close-knit community feel. About 90% of students come from Massachusetts, creating strong regional connections.

Does Fitchburg State University offer athletic scholarships?

Fitchburg State provides no athletic scholarships as a Division III institution that competes in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference. The school fields 17 varsity sports with 331 total athletes who compete for the love of the game. Student-athletes balance academics with competition in the Falcons' tradition.